Final Suspect Arraigned in Ferndale Pharmacy Robbery

Suspects in the could face federal trial in October.

The last of three suspects in the case was arraigned Thursday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Detroit.

Christian Reid, 19, of Hamtramck stood mute while a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

Other suspects in the robbery — Alfred Wingate, 41, and Aubrey Allen, 19, both of Oak Park — each pleaded not guilty during federal court arraignment Aug. 8.

The men are charged with robbing the pharmacy and carrying firearms in the commission of a crime.

The robbery charge carries a maximum 20-year sentence and $250,000 fine upon conviction. The firearms charge carries a maximum seven-year sentence, to run concurrently, as well as a $250,000 fine.

Federal Magistrate R. Steven Whalen is expected to set the trial date by the end of this week. According to the U.S. District Attorney's office, trials in such cases are usually set within 70 days of arraignment.

Reid, wearing a yellow jump suit, was promptly escorted out of the courtroom following arraignment. All three remain in federal custody at separate locations, according to the district attorney's office.

Whalen ordered Reid "detained without prejudice" — meaning without parole.

The robbery became a federal case, investigated by the FBI, because the pharmacy was registered with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

According to the FBI, Wingate and Allen ordered five pharmacy employees to the floor and said they would kill those who looked at them. The two gunmen bound the employees' hands behind their heads, officials said.

Reid, who is alleged to have driven the getaway vehicle, is having his case handled separately from the others.

The pharmacy, located at 825 W. Nine Mile, . It had been operating for roughly 3½ years at the Nine Mile location.